"Jessica, at the hospital you were saying to me, it
wasn't supposed to be this way, and it's not supposed to be this way. Children
shouldn't predecease their parents and heroes shouldn't be taken away from us
because we need them to train the next generation. But the fact of the matter is
that God, for some reason or another, saw fit to do so.

"And today, in our city, the flags are flying at
half-staff to honor John.

"It's our simple, moving, and probably insufficient way
of expressing our sorrow, and our profound respect. Because over the past few
days, New Yorkers in all five boroughs have learned what everyone here today has
known for a very long time: that Lieutenant John Martinson was a hero who never
gave a second thought about putting himself in harm's way to protect the rest of
us.

"He showed that during four years of distinguished
service as a decorated member of New York's Finest and then every single day for
nearly 15 years, as he followed in his father John's footsteps as one of our
Bravest.

"And so on behalf of eight and a quarter million New
Yorkers, let me extend my deepest condolences, and also my heartfelt thanks.
Thanks to you and your brother who are teachers. This is a family of public
servants. They're the ones that make our city better. And they're the ones that
give hope to our children.

"I didn't know John. I saw his picture, saw him in the
hospital. He was the kind of man who everybody says didn't mistake bluster for
bravery. He was, as one man who worked with him said, never one to swagger
or be 'chesty.'

"Around the firehouse, he had what another firefighter
described as a 'big Teddy bear' personality. 'Johnny Nice Guy' was his Fire
Department nickname and he was as quick with a smile as he was with a wrench or
with a hammer. And he was likely to be the first one to point out to others just
how blessed he had been with an over-sized set of ears. But when a fire
alarm sounded, he was also the first man on the rig, and the first one ready for
action.

"Throughout his career, John continually sought out
demanding assignments in busy firehouses. He studied hard, learned his
profession thoroughly, and modeled himself on the very best of the Bravest.

"And once he earned the rank of lieutenant, he joined
Captain Reilly at Engine 249, he didn't let his easygoing manner get in the way
of communicating to every firehouse- firefighter on his watch that they always
had to do their best, because, as he reminded them, 'people's lives depend on
you.'

"Last Thursday night, John took all his experience and
skill, and all his devotion to duty and his quiet, no-nonsense bravery, from the
bitter cold of the Brooklyn streets into the blast-furnace heat of a high-rise
fire.

"In the best tradition of the world's greatest fire
department, he led from the front. He found the source of the blaze; he directed
a step-by-forward-step-attack against it through the dense smoke; and when the
men in his command were forced to fall back, he ensured that every one of them
went out first and escaped safely.

"As we all know, sadly, he forfeited his own life in
saving the lives of his men, as well as the lives of the roughly 1,000 residents
of the building, who got out safely.

"That kind of courage fills us all with the deepest awe
and admiration. And it takes nothing away from the valor that John showed that
night - and showed throughout his entire career - to also point out that he was
a hero in everyday life, as well.

"He was the neighbor who you could call upon to fix your
brakes if the car wasn't working. He was the devoted uncle who was always ready
to take his niece and nephews out on the Iris Ann, The boat that his father
bought and named for you, Iris, and that kept John- John kept in the family as a
measure of his love for both his parents.

"He was the kind of son who, after his father's passing,
moved next door to his mother, so that there'd be someone to make sure that her
lawn was tended and the storm windows were put up. I hope he did it right, I
would assume so.

"And when, Jessica, you and John began to have children
of your own, he devoted his days off to renovating and expanding the same home,
built so long ago, you should know, by his Swedish immigrant grandfather Otto,
with his own hands.

"John belonged to a very tight-knit family with roots
that go back for generations in this community. I'm told that this past
Christmas was the first in many years when everyone's busy schedule permitted
everyone, including John, to get together. I know that now your hearts are heavy
with grief but at least you did have that Christmas day with John. But I
also hope that in the years to come, you'll also remember that time as a
blessing because at least you had it.

"Each of you, and especially you, Jessica, will face
tremendous challenges now that your John is gone. But you won't have to
meet them alone. The Fire Department is a family - one that takes care of
its own. And you have John Patrick and in a few months you'll have another child
which is a part of John.

"They've been by your side, the Fire Department, and John
Patrick, throughout these terrible days and they will continue to be with you
every step of the way. And Jessica, in the years to come, when your children ask
about their father, I hope you'll remember to tell them that the people of New
York feel the same way about him that you do: Lieutenant John Martinson was a
hero who gave his life to protect the greatest city in the world.

"He gave his life to protect my children and your
children and we should all be eternally grateful for him; for the example that
he set and for the sacrifice that he made.

"We will never forget him and he will live on, not just
in his children, but in the tradition of the world's greatest fire department
which sadly, we all know, will be called on many times in the future to save the
rest of us.

"May God bless the soul of this extraordinarily good man.
A man who we're very proud of, your brother; you have every reason to be. And I
just wanted to thank you for the service that you provide to this city as
well. And may God bless those who will always carry John's memories in
their heart. And may God bless the FDNY."